Delhi HC judges visit district courts on surprise inspection (Lead)

New Delhi, Aug 31 (IANS) In a first, six senior-most judges of the Delhi High Court on Thursday morning visited the capital’s six district courts here for surprise inspections to check the punctuality and discipline of judges in these courts.

The High Court judges were led by Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal. They found some judges of district courts coming late to the court beyond the stipulated time of 10 a.m.

“The inspections began simultaneously at all district courts at sharp 10 a.m. to check punctuality, discipline and functioning of these courts,” said D.K. Sharma, Registrar General of the Delhi High Court.

“It was unprecedented. It has never happened in the past that judges held similar kind of surprise inspection,” Sharma told IANS.

“Judges are very sensitive about the punctuality and discipline of district judges. It is for the convenience of litigants that punctuality and discipline should be maintained,” he said, adding that it was the initiative of Justice Gita Mittal.

Asked about the findings of the exercise, Sharma said a meeting will be held on the issue and then the vigilance committee will take action, if required.